West's dozen goals does the trick

DALLAS -- Goals, goals and more goals. The offensive avalanche came fast and furious at the American Airlines Center Wednesday night as the Western Conference roared to a 12-9 victory over the Eastern Conference in the 2007 NHL All-Star Game.

Daniel Briere of the Buffalo Sabres led all scorers with one goal and four assists, earning Most Valuable Player honors, despite playing for the losing side.

"I don't think it's sunk in," Briere said afterward. "I don't think I fully realize what's going on. One thing I can tell you is it's very exciting. I'm trying to enjoy every minute of it. That was my goal coming into this week ... just trying to enjoy my time here. I've watched a lot of All-Star Games. Watched a lot of guys being named MVP. I never thought that I would ever get the chance to come here and play in the All-Star Game.

"So I feel fortunate just to be here this week and to win the MVP," he said. "I mean, I got help from guys around me tonight, playing with (Dany) Heatley and (Marian) Hossa and (Zdeno) Chara finishing a few goals as well. To answer your question, no, I don't realize quite what's going on yet." MORE